Feeling the walls closing in during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I looked for some way – any way – to break away from isolation and tap into the spirit of adventure I so missed. I found it on a bicycle and, week after week, I'd venture a little farther and learn a little more. Fast forward to 2022. I've gone on meandering trips through rural Québec, epic treks between major American cities, and more. I'm currently planning a honeymoon-by-bicycle in Slovenia. Looking at the forecast and seeing a break in the apocalyptic heat we've been having here in New York City, I'm looking forward to a quick overnighter to a campsite 60 miles upstate this weekend.
In short, I'm obsessed. Traveling by bicycle is many things: a way to feel the contours of a place while still covering a lot of ground, the excuse we all need to slow down and take in the journey, a sustainable way to travel. But most of all, it's just really fun. If you're a bike touring veteran, you're probably nodding along enthusiastically. If you've never considered it…well...might I suggest you give it a shot? | | | | | France's best cycling routes | You don't need to be a pro to plan a long ride through France. | Stuart Butler's round-up of the best cycling routes in France include options for all types, from Lycra-clad speedsters to people who just want to hop from vineyard to vineyard on quiet country roads, baguette in the front basket, as they hum a traditional chanson to themselves…Can you tell which one I am? | | | At NYC's Rockaways, an escape and a farewell | Writer Chris Dong says goodbye to his adopted home of New York. | Another great thing about traveling by bike is the way it opens up your backyard: suddenly you start appreciating everything within cycling distance a lot more. While Chris's trip wasn't exclusively by bike, his love letter to the Rockaways highlights the magic that can be found close to home. | | | | Tips for first-time bike tourers | 1. Start small. In the bike touring community, they're called Sub-24s or S24Os (that's sub-24-hour-overnighter). Essentially it means riding out somewhere, spending a night (either camping or at a hotel) and riding back. It's a great way to try out covering longer distances, while still keeping things manageable. 2. Don't overthink the gear. Like any hobby, it's easy to fall into gear rabbit holes. Stop. The best bike for you is the one you've got. Fancy waterproof panniers and bikepacking bags are nice, and you'll get there, but you can strap a plastic bag with essentials to the back of your bike and still be on a bike trip. 3. Look for trails. If you're worried about sharing the road with cars, you don't have to! Look for bike and multi-use trails you can travel on. In the US the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a great resource for finding rail trails near you (there's even an app). In Europe, check out the extensive network of EuroVelo bike routes. RideWithGPS and Komoot are two more good apps for finding bike-friendly routes around the world. | | | More travel news you can use | | | | | 15 epic hikes in Australia and New Zealand | | | A safari vacation is out-of-reach for so many travelers because of the massive expense associated with long flights and luxury lodges. But follow these tips and you might find that dream trip to Kenya is suddenly a lot more attainable. | | | | | | What Native Hawaiians want you to know | Hawaii has been in the news repeatedly over the course of the pandemic, as it has tried to balance tourism with a commitment to conservation and cultural respect. Now more than ever, visitors need to arrive educated. Native Hawaiian Savannah Rose Dagupion breaks down what you need to know if you're visiting Hawaii, through the lens of the people who call those islands home. | | | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
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